Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of bacteria was Alexander Fleming researching when he discovered penicillin?
What type of bacteria was Alexander Fleming researching when he discovered penicillin?
- Staphylococcus (correct)
- Pneumococcus
- Escherichia coli
- Streptococcus
What observation did Fleming make that led him to investigate the mold in his petri dish?
What observation did Fleming make that led him to investigate the mold in his petri dish?
- The mold grew to be very large.
- The area around the mold was free of bacteria. (correct)
- The mold was a vibrant color.
- The mold smelled sweet.
What was the substance produced by the mold that inhibited the growth of bacteria?
What was the substance produced by the mold that inhibited the growth of bacteria?
- Penicillin (correct)
- Cephalosporin
- Aureomycin
- Amoxicillin
What is one characteristic of Fleming's work habits that contributed to his discovery of penicillin?
What is one characteristic of Fleming's work habits that contributed to his discovery of penicillin?
Approximately how many penicillin prescriptions are written each year in the U.S. alone?
Approximately how many penicillin prescriptions are written each year in the U.S. alone?
Flashcards
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus
A type of bacteria that can cause infections.
Alexander Fleming
Alexander Fleming
A scientist who accidentally discovered penicillin.
Mold
Mold
A type of fungus that produces penicillin.
Penicillin
Penicillin
Signup and view all the flashcards
Antibiotic
Antibiotic
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Fleming's Accidental Discovery of Penicillin
- In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a Scottish scientist, was studying staphylococcus bacteria.
- Fleming's lab work was messy and he left bacterial cultures unattended during a vacation.
- Mold grew in the bacterial cultures.
- Fleming noticed that the area surrounding the mold was free of bacteria.
- He observed this under a microscope.
- The mold had apparently killed the bacteria.
- This accidental discovery led to the development of penicillin.
- Penicillin is the first antibiotic.
- Today, penicillin is a life-saving drug used worldwide.
- Over 80 million prescriptions for penicillin are written in the U.S. alone each year.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the accidental discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. This quiz covers the unexpected findings from his lab that led to the development of the first antibiotic, which has saved countless lives. Test your knowledge of Fleming's contributions to medicine and the impact of penicillin on healthcare.
